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Experience beer’s greatest brewing cultures at Silver Branch!

We celebrate the beers that arose from centuries of brewers experimenting and refining their recipes and approaches in Belgium, Britain and Ireland, Central Europe and the Americas. The casual ambiance of our taproom will evoke the gemütlichkeit and camaraderie enjoyed in turn-of-the-century American biergartens; British pubs; a sidewalk café in Prague; or a low-key taproom in Portland or Poland.

Gemütlichkeit /gǝ’ mōōtlik,kīt/

No, it isn’t a misspelling of Gesundheit.

It’s German for that nebulous sense of camaraderie, coziness, and a sense of belonging one gets when enjoying time with good friends. For us, drinking beer is a time to commune with friends. Creating a space where folks want to catch up while enjoying a pint of beer, a glass of wine, or a soda is the reason we decided to open a brewery in the first place. We look forward to hosting you and your buddies! Pretty soon you too will feel comfortable describing Silver Branch using that term gemütlich.

About Silver Branch

Silver Branch Brewing Company is a production brewery and taproom located in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring immediately adjacent to the Silver Spring red line metro stop.

Silver Branch was founded by Christian Layke and Brett A. Robison in March 2019. As long-time beer lovers with an appreciation for the four major brewing cultures, they brew and serve excellent beer inspired by European and American beer traditions. Silver Branch’s beers are multi-dimensional so that the last sip of your last beer is as pleasing as the first sip of your first beer.

Executive Team

Brett Robison

Co-Founder and COO

Brett Robison was the founding General Manager for our taproom business and currently oversees all hospitality and wholesale operations for Silver Branch Brewing Company. He has been an integral player in the development of a growing Montgomery County craft beer scene since 2013. Brett began his beverage industry career back in 2007 and has made the DMV home ever since 2010. After having developed several successful beer and bar programs in the region, he became the first retailer to sell self-distributed beer in Montgomery County in 2014. He continues to play a significant role in the development of Maryland craft beer and self-distribution practices within Montgomery County and Maryland. Brett has worked alongside legislators to reform several beer and liquor laws in Montgomery County; specifically he helped plan and create a new class of liquor license for retailers in Montgomery County formally known as class BD-BWL.

Christian Layke

Co-Founder and CEO

Christian was the founding brewer for Silver Branch. At this point, he no longer spends time on the brew deck, instead spending his time on organizational management. He serves as CEO and President of the Board. After graduating from Cornell in Environmental Sciences and The George Washington Universities with an MA in Geography, Christian worked for an environmental policy non-profit in Washington DC. After 15 years of a desk job started making him restless and having a beer win a national home-brew competition in the Oktoberfest category, Christian spent a few months in Belgium interning with a brewery. Once he learned that making beer commercially is actually easier than homebrewing (better tools), he knew it was time to take the plunge and become a commercial brewer. Six years later, after meeting Brett and completing a business plan, Christian quit to open his own brewery.

Tom Lang

Chief Financial Officer

Initially a Founders Club member and provider of unsolicited advice, Tom’s role as Chief Financial Officer was formalized in the Fall of 2024. In that role, he attempts to maintain guardrails as Silver Branch focuses on brand development and the pursuit of growth opportunities. Tom relishes the sounds and smells emanating from the brewing process outside his office – “industry in motion” – and is grateful for the camaraderie of the Silver Branch team. A long-time beer snob, Tom gravitates to IPAs (especially the periodic releases of Sisyphus), and will try anything on Cask.

Tyler Rodgers

Executive Chef

My name is Tyler Rodgers, and I serve as the Executive Chef for Silver Branch Brewing Co. and Mosaic Pizza. Having joined the team recently, I am dedicated to leveraging my decade of culinary experience to craft flavorful, innovative menus that honor our commitment to “Gemütlichkeit”, creating an inherently welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for every guest. I find the most joy in fostering these positive, lasting memories through soulful food and exceptional hospitality. When I’m off the clock, I’m usually enjoying a pint of Mundo Especial, our refreshing Mexican-style lager that is perfectly balanced for any occasion.

Management Team

Jonathan Reeves

Director of Brewing

As Head Brewer at Silver Branch Brewing Company, I work alongside our brewing team to create a wide range of beers that we’re proud to share. I enjoy combining traditional brewing techniques with new ideas, always focusing on quality and consistency. For me, brewing is about making good beer, working with great people, and creating something others can enjoy together.

Candice Shimanek

Human Resource Manager

As Human Resources Manager, I have been proud to be part of the Silver Branch team since December 2019. I love helping build a workplace where great people can grow, succeed, and enjoy coming to work each day. One of the best parts of my role is getting to meet talented new team members, support our managers, and help foster the welcoming, community-focused culture that makes Silver Branch such a special place.

Shawn Broadhurst

General Manager | Lagerhaus & Biergarten

I’ve been the General Manager at Silver Branch since August 2024. What I enjoy most about working here is the incredible support from our community and the opportunity to connect with guests while helping them find a beer they’ll love. My favorite Silver Branch beer is Butterfly Effect, our hazy IPA.

Bailey Robison

General Manager | Rockville Beerworks

As General Manager of Rockville Beerworks, I work with our team to create a welcoming place where people can relax, enjoy good food and beer, and feel right at home. I love working alongside our staff and making sure everyone who walks through our doors has a great experience. For me, it’s all about bringing people together, building a strong team, and making Rockville Beerworks a place people want to keep coming back to.

Tyler Blair

General Manager | Warrenton Station

I bring 16 years of hospitality experience across restaurants, hotels, and breweries. Raised on Long Island, I began my career as a food runner, where I discovered a passion for hospitality that has guided my professional journey. Most recently, I served as a Restaurant Manager at The Inn at Little Washington. Following the birth of my third child, I’m excited to begin a new chapter as General Manager of Silver Branch’s Warrenton Station location. Having called Warrenton home for the past two years, I’m especially proud to be part of the team bringing Silver Branch back to our community. I look forward to welcoming you!

Becca Ewing

Digital Marketing Manager

Over the past five years, I’ve enjoyed expanding my marketing skills, taking on new challenges, and learning more about the craft brewery industry. I love the creativity, collaboration, and growth opportunities that come with being part of the Silver Branch team. My favorite menu item is the Barbacoa Nachos because they’re delicious, gluten-free, and pair perfectly with an Anxo Cider!

Andrew Arseneault

Marketing & Communications Manager

I’ve been with Silver Branch since 2025 and currently serve as the Marketing & Communications Manager, where I get to tell the stories behind our beer, food, people, and events. What I enjoy most is finding creative ways to showcase each location and the amazing team that makes it all happen. When I’m not at the brewery, I enjoy getting outdoors, and my favorite way to wrap up the day is with a Glass Castle Czech Pilsner.

Silver Branch Lagerhaus & Biergarten

Silver Branch Lagerhaus & Biergarten is located in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring right next to the Silver Spring red line metro station on Colesville Rd.

Parking Nearby
We are located less than 100 steps from the north side red line metro entrance in Silver Spring. Public parking is also available nearby: Cameron Street Garage located at 8530 Cameron St is less than a 5 minute walk away.

Taproom & Biergarten Hours
Monday – Thursday: 11:30am – 10pm
Friday: 11:30am – 11pm
Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
Sunday: 11am – 9pm

Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks

Silver Branch Rockville Beerworks is located just off East Gude Drive, east of 1-270 and five minutes north of Rockville Town Square

Parking Nearby
There is free parking throughout the office complex.

Taproom Hours
Monday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Tuesday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Wednesday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Thursday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Friday: 11:30am – 10pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 10pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 9:30pm

Silver Branch Warrenton Station

Silver Branch Warrenton Station is located in the heart of Old Town Warrenton right next to Main Street and walking distance to the Warrenton Greenway Trail.

Parking Nearby
In addition to street parking, Old Town Warrenton offers two parking areas: Municipal Parking Lot B, located at 15 S. Third Street, and Public Parking Lot D, located at 100 E. Lee Street.

Taproom Hours & Mosaic Pizza Hours
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:30am – 10pm